Register for a Hamilton Webinar!

I see regular errors with barcode scanning

If you see errors with barcode scanning or if the barcode scanner does not return results, there are a few steps you can take to resolve the issue. The most common issues with barcode scanning usually are resolved by making sure that the scanner is calibrated to the type of barcodes you are working with.

  • Version 2.1 or newer

    Solution 1: Run Verification

    Keep in mind that the Microlab Prep barcode verification only works for the barcode scanner available through the Hamilton website.

    1. Make sure you have the printed barcode scanner configuration and verification pages. If you do not have them, download the pages here.
    2. Turn on the Prep. Sign in if necessary.
    3. From the home page, tap the gear icon to open the Instrument Settings tab, select Verification, and open the Peripherals tab.
    4. Tap the Barcode Reader verification, then tap Next to start.
    5. Scan each barcode on the printed verification page and check the result. If the verification fails on either Codabar or Interleaved 2 of 5, then continue to the next step.

      If the scanned barcode differs from the expected barcode, or the barcode does not register, then proceed to solution 2.
    6. Enable Codabar and Interleaved 2 of 5 using the printed configuration page, if they are not already enabled. The configuration page has barcodes to scan that will enable these.
    7. Retry barcode reader verification. If the scanner still fails on any of the barcodes, proceed to solution 2.

    Solution 2: Configure Additional Barcodes

    The barcode reader available from Hamilton comes pre-programmed for use with very common barcode types, but can easily be programmed to read less common ones. To program a barcode type, refer to the Chapter 8 Symbologies section of the Prep barcode reader’s reference guide for a broad range of barcode types and tips for preparing the barcode scanner. Once you scan a barcode from the reference guide, that barcode format is stored permanently in the barcode scanner’s memory.

  • Version 2.0 and older

    Solution 1: Run a Diagnostic

    The first troubleshooting step is to run a diagnostic test.

    1. Make sure you have the printed page of test barcodes that was packaged with the barcode scanner.
    2. Turn on the Microlab Prep. Sign in if necessary.
    3. From the home page, tap the gear icon to open Settings navigate to Diagnostics > Devices > Peripherals.
    4. Select the Barcode Reader diagnostic, then tap Next to start.
    5. On the printed page of test barcodes, scan each barcode and check the result. If the scanned barcode differs from the expected barcode, or the barcode does not register, then proceed to solution 2.

    Solution 2: Configure Barcodes

    The barcode reader comes pre-programmed for use with very common barcode types, but can easily be programmed to read less common ones. To program a barcode type, refer to the Chapter 8 Symbologies section of the barcode reader’s reference guide for a broad range of barcode types and tips for preparing the barcode scanner. Once you scan a barcode from the reference guide, that barcode format is stored permanently in the barcode scanner’s memory.

Not finding answers? Reach out to us with questions.

File a Ticket